International Justice Mission
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Here is an update from them in regards to this new focus:
I’m happy to share a story of protection through the strengthening of justice systems in India.
Back in July 2010, IJM supported law enforcement in a rescue operation that brought 34 children, women, and men to safety. The families received rehabilitation funds to help rebuild their lives and a legal case was brought against the father and son who operated the quarry.
The father subsequently passed away but the son went to trial. In May, a court in south India sentenced [this] powerful rock quarry owner to seven years in prison for forcing people to work as slaves, and for exploiting their status as a disadvantaged ethnic community.
IJM supported the case for many years, eventually transitioning the responsibility fully to the public prosecutors. At the conclusion of the long and challenging case, the judge issued the verdict and sentence.We are hopeful that this sentence sends a powerful message to the community that exploiting vulnerable people will not be tolerated, and that those responsible will be held accountable.
Lambrick Park Church, we are grateful for your partnership with us, which makes justice and hope like this possible. Thank you for bringing protection to those who are the most vulnerable.
Pictured above is Selvam, who was trapped in the rock quarry for four years. He says:
“This conviction helped me realize that whoever commits a crime will face judgment and will be punished accordingly, regardless of how powerful they are.”
As well as having paid employment as a daily-wage labourer, Selvam is also a leader in the survivor-run Released Bonded Laborers’ Association in Tiruvannamalai, and regularly supports his community when in need.